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A significant milestone has been reached with the first-ever joint reporting of greenhouse gas emissions by all higher education institutions in North Rhine-Westphalia: for the first time, 14 universities and 16 universities of applied sciences are reporting their emissions in accordance with uniform standards. In doing so, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and its higher education institutions are underlining their shared commitment to playing a pioneering role in climate protection. The German Sport University Cologne is also actively participating in this initiative and is continuously refining its data set. The aim is to obtain as accurate a picture as possible of its own greenhouse gas emissions and, building on this, to devise effective measures for reducing them. Continuous reduction of energy consumption and emissions The university’s own analyses show that it has succeeded in significantly reducing energy consumption and the associated greenhouse gas emissions between 2019 and 2024. Despite challenging circumstances – including the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy crisis resulting from the war in Ukraine, and extreme weather events – significant savings were achieved through targeted measures Energy-saving measures implemented at short notice in 2022 were particularly effective, leading, amongst other things, to a reduction in heating energy consumption of around 38 per cent in the second half of the year Measures to improve energy efficiency and climate protection The German Sport University Cologne relies on a wide range of technical and organisational measures to reduce energy consumption and emissions in the long term. These include, amongst others: the switch to energy-efficient LED lighting the use of high-efficiency pumps Optimisations to heating and cooling systems Insulation measures to reduce heat loss the increased use of heat pumps and photovoltaic systems These measures not only help to reduce CO₂ emissions, but also increase resilience to rising energy prices and supply uncertainties Establishment of a systematic energy management system A key component of future development is the implementation of an energy management system in accordance with DIN ISO 50001. As part of this, a comprehensive measurement point and meter concept is currently being implemented, which will enable detailed recording and analysis of energy consumption. Full implementation of the system is planned for 2026 Through the systematic analysis of energy data, potential savings can be specifically identified, measures prioritised and their effectiveness assessed. This lays the foundation for continuous improvement in energy efficiency. Outlook: Emissions reduction as a long-term goal In line with the objectives of a climate-neutral state administration, the German Sport University Cologne is pursuing the goal of significantly reducing its greenhouse gas emissions in the long term and achieving a substantial reduction in emissions by 2030 at the latest. The further expansion of renewable energy – particularly photovoltaics – plays just as central a role in this as the switch to renewable systems for heat supply. The University will document its progress regularly in future and make it transparent as part of the state-wide reporting process. Report on greenhouse gas emissions from public universities in North Rhine-Westphalia

Higher education institutions in North Rhine-Westphalia are now making it possible to measure the success of their climate protection efforts. Today (17 April 2026), 14 universities and 16 universities of applied sciences, together with the state government, presented their first joint report on their CO₂ emissions. The report shows that climate protection efforts are having an impact: between 2019 and 2021, emissions from electricity consumption fell by 28 per cent thanks to the use of green electricity. In total, the 30 public higher education institutions in North Rhine-Westphalia emitted around 441,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalents in 2021 – roughly the same as a town with 40,000 inhabitants. The joint greenhouse gas inventory, compiled according to uniform standards, stems from an initiative by the state government. Annual monitoring is planned for the future. The inventories for 2022 and 2023 are already in progress. Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, said: “With this joint CO₂ assessment, our universities are making climate protection systematically measurable for the first time – transparently, based on data and through joint action. This will strengthen targeted measures. High-performing universities are a key location factor and a central driver of innovation, competitiveness and a future-proof research hub in North Rhine-Westphalia.” Minister for Science Brandes: “Research is the best form of climate protection. Our universities are training the researchers of tomorrow, who will develop ways in which we can protect the climate even more effectively. At the same time, our universities are already making great efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as the data in the carbon footprint report impressively demonstrates. This transparency is essential for individual universities to now develop their own measures for greater energy efficiency. This helps the climate and saves money.” Simone Probst, spokesperson for the Conference of University Chancellors, and Markus Hinsenkamp, spokesperson for the Conference of Chancellors of Universities of Applied Sciences: “This report shows that universities and universities of applied sciences are aware of their social responsibility and are making their contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions. This first uniform and standardised GHG inventory is also a reflection of the high level of commitment within the higher education institutions and the good cooperation with the ministries involved. We look forward to continuing our collaboration on the path to climate neutrality and are ready to take on the challenge of meeting the high standards required for a climate-neutral campus.” Further key findings from the greenhouse gas inventory: The vast majority of emissions are attributable to the energy consumption of the buildings. Heating and electricity supply each account for half of this. Between 2019 and 2021, the number of electric vehicles rose by 32 per cent. As a result, around 14 per cent of the vehicles in the fleets were battery-electric as early as 2021. Compared with the base year of 2019, greenhouse gas emissions remained largely constant in 2021. Meaningful trends are only expected to emerge with further years of data. Thanks to the greenhouse gas inventory, numerous higher education institutions now have a structured overview of their emissions for the first time, enabling them to draw up action plans and implement measures. This puts them in a position to fulfil their legally mandated role as role models. The state government supports the higher education institutions in this endeavour. North Rhine-Westphalia is one of the first federal states in which all universities and universities of applied sciences have jointly compiled and published annual greenhouse gas inventories in accordance with uniform standards. The greenhouse gas inventory is available here . Press contact MWIKE: presse@mwike.nrw.de , 0211-61772 143 Press contact MKW: presse@mkw.nrw.de , 0211-896 4790

Felix Wittmann from the German Sport University Cologne performed well at the WUC Crosslauf 2026. Together with his team, he won the bronze medal in the mixed short-distance relay. The German quartet held their own against strong international competition in Cassino, Italy, and secured a place on the podium, finishing just a few seconds behind the winners. The medallists from the 2025 FISU World University Games were also honoured at a ceremonial reception at the Bundeskanzleramt on 24 March 2026. The international multi-sport event, known until 2020 as the Universiade (“World University Games”), took place last year in Turin, as well as in the Rhine-Ruhr region and Berlin. Minister of State for Sport and Volunteering Dr Christiane Schenderlein and Ebba Koglin, Chair of the General German University Sports Association (adh), paid tribute to the successes of Team Studi and to their remarkable achievement in combining their studies with top-level sport. Click here to read the full article on the adh website.

The Förderfinder (Funding Finder) for elite athletes is now online and, for the first time, offers a centralised, systematic overview of individual athlete support schemes in Germany. At www.foerderfinder-sport.de , the platform brings together a wide range of support programmes – from financial assistance and employment models tailored to elite sport to work placements, education and training programmes. At its heart is a user-oriented search function: by entering individual criteria such as sport, national team status or place of residence, athletes receive tailored results that take into account their specific personal and sporting circumstances. In doing so, the Förderfinder brings transparency to a previously fragmented support system for the first time and significantly facilitates access to existing support structures. At the same time, the platform is also aimed at funding bodies, federations and organisations that wish to publicise their programmes and reach specific athletes. The Förderfinder thus acts as an interface between supply and demand and contributes to better networking within the German elite sport system. The Förderfinder is a key outcome of the ‘SpoFo-Map – Förderlandkarte des Leistungssports’ project, which was implemented by the Institute of European Sport Development and Leisure Studies at the German Sport University Cologne and funded by the Federal Institute for Sports Science (BISp). The project was carried out in close cooperation with the DOSB and Athleten Deutschland. Stiftung Deutsche Sporthilfe and Olympic Training Centre Hessen contributed their expertise to the project team. In addition to developing the platform, the project also includes a scientific analysis of existing funding structures and the development of reform options for the further development of individual athlete support in Germany. Read more in the report . Further information and the full final report are available on the SpoFo-Map project page.

According to the German Rectors’ Conference, the German Sport University Cologne, Germany’s only university specialising in sport, has achieved an outstanding tenth place in the ‘Sports-Related Subjects’ category of the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. The ranking assesses sport science institutions worldwide. Loughborough University tops the ranking, followed by the two Australian universities, the University of Queensland and the University of Sydney. The ranking assesses academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact. The President's Office would like to thank all members of the German Sport University Cologne whose work has made this fantastic result possible. View the full ranking

On Sunday, September 28, 2025, the Olympic Studies Centre at the German Sport University Cologne (DSHS) hosted a special dual event: the graduation ceremony for graduates of the M.A. in Olympic Studies and the official opening of the program’s 10th cohort. The evening was opened by the Rector of the German Sport University Cologne, Prof. Ansgar Thiel, who highlighted the programme’s significance for the university and offered his best wishes to both the graduates and the new students. Prof. Stephan Wassong, Director of the program, then welcomed the guests in attendance, the 11 graduates who had traveled to the event, and the 32 new students. In his address, he underscored the program’s international diversity and highlighted how closely the conclusion of one chapter and the beginning of a new one are intertwined in this celebration. Following the speeches, the Rector presented the diplomas. A special highlight was provided by Mr. Francesco Ricci Bitti, Honorary Member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Honorary Life President of the International Tennis Federation, who awarded medals to the graduates. A video message from Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski, Executive Board Member of the IOC, added another festive touch. She warmly congratulated the graduates and welcomed the new students. The evening concluded with a festive dinner, where graduates, new students, and guests mingled in a convivial atmosphere, celebrating both past achievements and the start of a new chapter together.

The 9th intake of the MA Olympic Studies has successfully completed their last on-site module, International Relations . During this final academic session, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions on the intersection of sport, diplomacy, and global politics — an area that continues to shape the Olympic Movement and international sport today. We warmly thank all participants for their contributions and commitment throughout the program and wish them success as they now turn to their essays and thesis projects.

We are happy to highlight and feature a historic collaboration between Panathlon International, the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP), the International Society of Olympic Historians (ISOH) and the International Pierre de Coubertin Committee (CIPC). As part of this collaboration, the CIPC will lead a panel discussion on February 12, 2026, at Palazzo Lombardia in Milano titled "Sparks of Olympism: Igniting the Future with Coubertin, AI, and Olympic Values Education." The panel will feature speakers like Prof. Dr. Stephan Wassong and Hilla Davidov. This initiative is aligned with the four organisations` mission: to perpetuate and disseminate the intellectual legacy of Pierre de Coubertin while translating his educational principles into today’s context.

From 5–8 October 2025, Marloes Ekkelboom, research associate and PhD candidate at the Institute for Sport History, participated in the Play the Game Conference in Tampere, Finland. The conference brings together a diverse range of stakeholders from across the world of sport including researchers, representatives of sport federations, human rights organizations, journalists, and athletes to discuss how sport can become more democratic and safer for everyone. Beyond its impressive range of participants, Play the Game stood out as a space for honest and constructive dialogue, a rare opportunity to connect critical perspectives and explore how values like democracy, integrity, and human rights can be translated into practice in sport. As part of the programme, Marloes presented her research titled “Framing Dissent: A Comparative Media Analysis of Athlete Activism in Germany and the United States.” Her presentation explored how athlete activism is represented and interpreted within national media discourses, and how these portrayals reflect broader cultural and political contexts. By comparing German and U.S. media coverage, the research highlights how different framing traditions shape the public understanding of activism in sport. The conference also offered a great chance to meet colleagues from around the world. A particular highlight was reconnecting with Rita Pires, a former MA Olympic Studies student and alumna, and exchanging experiences and ideas across academic and professional boundaries.

Dr. Hilla Davidov, a graduate of the M.A. Olympic Studies programme was invited to deliver a keynote lecture at the 18th International Session for National Olympic Academies and National Olympic Committees Delegates, hosted by the International Olympic Academy in Olympia. In her lecture, "AI: Opportunities and Challenges for Olympic Education - Bridging Tradition with Innovation", she addressed an international audience of 150 delegates from five continents. The presentation explored how artificial intelligence can support the evolution of Olympic Education by providing new tools for personalization, inclusivity, and engagement, while maintaining the core values and traditions of the Olympic Movement. Drawing on her academic training in the M.A. OLympic Studies programme and practical experience in Olympic Education and Leadership, the lecture sparked a lively Q&A session and contributed to a broader dialogue on the future of Olympic Education in an increasingly digital world. The Olympic Studies Centre at the German Sport University Cologne appreciates this valuable contribution and is pleased to see its alumni actively involved in promoting Olympic education and values-based leadership on a global scale.